In April 2008 master conductor Nikolaus Harnoncourt and the RCO executed a series of performances of Schumann’s rarely heard masterpiece Szenen aus Goethes Faust. These successful performances were recorded live and edited into the release that you have before you. This is the closest Schumann ever reach an operatic idiom: in fact, this is one of his half-oratorio works. Inspired by the ‘redemption’ issue, Schumann draw an apotheosic, sulphur-like, symphonic tableaux for soloists, chorus and orchestra that here benefits of a superb cast of singers and musicians.